Plans To Expand Win Zoning Approval

Durham News Notes

With no opposition, plans to expand the Durham Public Library won approval easily at Wednesday night's planning and zoning commission meeting.

The measure was passed unanimously, with a member of the library building committee and the library's director speaking in favor of the project.

The plans call for added parking, as well as a one-story addition that would nearly double the library's floor space. Town voters have already approved the $820,000 project, which will be paid for through grants, town reserve money and fund-raising.

Committee Chairman Dorothy Willett said no trees would be harmed by the construction.

But a horticulturist who examined the property has recommended that about 110 of the plants around the library be moved.

The commission also voted unanimously to continue a public hearing on a proposed retail and office complex on Main Street near the split between routes 17 and 79.

The three-building complex off Route 17 would have 110 parking spaces, and rustic-looking architecture. The buildings would be white with brown shingle roofs and brown trim, and canopies covering the walkways.

The state Department of Transportation has requested traffic information from the developer, Pacesetter Construction, and has not yet ruled on whether the company may make a curb cut onto Route 17.